Background:

Before participants arrive at the center, have them research poisonous snakes in Arkansas, their traits and where they are found in the state. They should share this information through presentations.

Procedure:

Brainstorm snake traits and types of Arkansas snakes.

Talk about snake legends and myths such as the hoop snake that rolls down the road with its tail in its mouth (coachwhip), the whipsnake (coachwhip) that whips people with his tail, and the “stinging” mud snake with his pointed tail.

Present a slide show or video on Arkansas snakes.

Feed a snake to show how snakes “crawl around their prey” as they swallow. Garter snakes like frogs, rat or king snakes eat mice well and the hognose prefers toads.

Divide the participants into small groups and do one of the following camouflage activities.

Assign each group to a different outdoor habitat. Have them study and sketch the habitat with a camouflaged snake drawn in it or have them construct a snake from assorted scrap and/or natural materials and hide the snake in their habitat. Each group will then search for the other groups’ hidden snakes. The group with the best camouflaged snake is King Snakes for the day.

Give each group a large habitat picture and have them draw and color a snake that would be well-camouflaged in it. They should list traits necessary for success in that habitat other than camouflage then explain their drawings. Sample habitats might include the following:

Green bushes with slender limbs

A rotting tree on the ground

Log floating beneath tree shadows

Muddy, marshy area

Piles of dry brown leaves

Rocky area with crevices

Rock emerging from a swift stream

Flower bed or garden

Modifications:

Slither your way through the Snake-ology Quiz.

Review:

List characteristics for venomous and nonvenomous snakes.

Name three of each type of snakes that might be found in your area.

Glossary:

Pit viper – any of various venomous snakes of the family Crotalidae, such as a copperhead, rattlesnake or fer-de-lance, that has a small sensory pit below each eye

Venom – poison transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting and stinging

Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks

Download the pdf at the end of this lesson.

*Note to teacher: Due to various presentation techniques by different staff, if you want to make sure a certain framework is discussed, or tie in one not mentioned, please make that request when reserving your program.